Ghunaim: Saudi Leading Role on Palestinian Cause Rooted in Its Historic Stance Since King Abdulaziz Era

Saudi flag - File Photo/AAWSAT
Saudi flag - File Photo/AAWSAT
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Ghunaim: Saudi Leading Role on Palestinian Cause Rooted in Its Historic Stance Since King Abdulaziz Era

Saudi flag - File Photo/AAWSAT
Saudi flag - File Photo/AAWSAT

Palestine’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mazen Ghunaim affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s leading role toward the Palestinian cause is a continuation of its longstanding historic stance since the era of late King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who entrenched support for Palestine as the foremost cause of Arabs and Muslims.

“The leadership and people of the State of Palestine express their deep appreciation and gratitude for the firm and consistent support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, toward the Palestinian cause,” the Palestinian ambassador said.

“This support was reaffirmed in the announcement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah regarding the Kingdom’s co-chairmanship with the French Republic of the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian cause through peaceful solutions and implementing the two-state solution, to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York this week”, he added.

He noted that the Kingdom has always embodied the fundamental pillar in defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and supporting international, Arab, and Islamic efforts to end the occupation and achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state established along the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Palestinian ambassador highlighted the Saudi foreign minister’s affirmation of the Kingdom’s support for the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, launched in September 2024 in partnership with the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union.

He also described the upcoming international conference in New York as an important opportunity to advance the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions, end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and uphold their inalienable rights.

Additionally, he stated that the Kingdom’s standing alongside Palestine today, as it did in the past, epitomizes steadfastness and nobility and embodies the meanings of true brotherhood. He stressed that his country will remain faithful to this generous support until the Palestinian people attain their full freedom in their independent state.



Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj
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Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi Defense Ministry Denies Reports of Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj

Saudi official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that reports circulating about Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj Governorate having been targeted are inaccurate, SPA reported.

Major General Al-Malki said: “The activation of warning sirens in Al-Kharj Governorate early this morning was a precautionary measure following the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen, which disappeared near the border. Investigations are still underway to determine the details and circumstances of this launch.”


Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
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Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)
Automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports is utilizing modern technologies, including self-service E-gates at international airports, to streamline departure procedures for post-Hajj pilgrims across all border ports.

By instantly matching biometric data, these automated E-gates allow departing pilgrims to complete passport control steps independently in a matter of seconds.

The initiative, by the Ministry of Interior, significantly enhances passenger flow, reduces waiting times, and ensures a smoother, more efficient exit journey for travelers.

Saudi Arabia had announced the exceptional success of this year’s Hajj season that was backed by an integrated system of security, organization, and services, allowing pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

The 2026 Hajj saw 1,707,301 pilgrims perform the rituals, with 1,485,729 pilgrims arriving via air ports, 54,429 by land, and 6,497 by sea.

Spokesperson of the General Directorate of Passports Major Nasser Al-Otaibi stressed on Sunday that the directorate continues to implement its operational plan for the departure of pilgrims through all international air, land, and sea ports.


Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
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Saudi Arabia to Host 39th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference this Week

The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)
The Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council said Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges (Arab Parliament)

Saudi Arabia will host the 39th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) on Thursday via videoconference under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The conference, organized by the Shura Council and AIPU, will bring together speakers of Arab parliaments and legislative councils, as well as delegates from several organizations.

Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' patronage of the conference. He said the support reflects the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening joint Arab cooperation and highlighting the role of Arab solidarity in supporting regional security and stability.

He also underscored the Kingdom's commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the Arab world.

"Joint Arab action represents a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges and an important basis for unifying positions and coordinating parliamentary efforts," Al Al-Sheikh said.

He added that such efforts contribute to enhancing stability, protecting shared Arab interests, promoting the role of parliaments in supporting development efforts, and consolidating the values of dialogue and integration among Arab states.

Al Al-Sheikh said the Shura Council looks forward to welcoming participants to the conference and expressed hope that its outcomes will support joint Arab parliamentary action and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy as an effective tool for advancing Arab causes in the region and the world.